JM4 Data Assimilation in Geophysical Sciences (IAMAS, IAGA, IACS, IASPEI, IAPSO, IAG)
Convener: William Lahoz, Kjeller, Norway (IAMAS)
Co-conveners: Alexandre Fournier, Paris, France (IAGA), Richard Essery, Edinburgh, U.K. (IACS), Remy Bossu, Paris, France (IASPEI), Konstantin Belyaev, Moscom, Russia (IAPSO), Han Shin-Chan, Greenbelt, USA (IAG), Craig Bishop, Monterey, USA (IAMAS), Tomoko Matsuo, Boulder, USA (IAGA), Jeffrey Walker, Melbourne, Australia (IAMAS)
Description
Data assimilation integrates the wealth of data from both satellite and in situ platforms to analyse the current and past state of the various elements of the Earth System, such as the atmosphere, the ionosphere, the ocean, the land and the cryosphere, forming the basis of improved forecasts from the mesoscale to the global scale. Data assimilation also plays a key role in efforts to couple the various elements of the Earth System, and benefit from proper account of the interactions between the elements of the Earth System. A key issue is the characterization of the uncertainty in past, current and future state estimates in both coarse and high resolution models.
The symposium provides a forum for presentation and discussion of the latest research in data assimilation across the elements of the Earth System. There will be a focus on three developments: (i) characterization of errors; (ii) application of data assimilation techniques to coupled elements of the Earth System; and (iii) extension of data assimilation activities to smaller spatial scales, notably for participatory sensing involving air quality and weather observations. We are therefore calling for presentations on data assimilation that focus on any of these three developments from both operational environments as well as explorative research applications.
M01 Clouds, Precipitation and Aerosols and their Influence on Climate at High Latitudes, including the Role of the Southern Ocean and Sea Ice
Convener: Greg McFarquhar (Urbana, USA)
Co-conveners: Tom Lachlan-Cope (Cambridge, U.K.), Rob Wood (Seattle, USA), Ilan Koren (Greenbelt, USA), Paul DeMott (Colorado, USA), Keith Bower (Manchester, U.K.), Amélie Kirchgaessner (Cambridge, U.K.)
Description
High latitude oceans and land areas play critical roles in the global climate system and represent unique pristine environments, yet there have been sparse observations of clouds, aerosols, radiation and the air-sea interface in these regions. Consequently, much is unknown about atmospheric and oceanographic processes and their linkage, which when combined with uncertainties in representations of aerosols, cloud condensation nuclei and ice/mixed-phase processes leads to uncertainties in predictions of cloud feedbacks and precipitation. Studies that present the state of knowledge of clouds, aerosols and air-sea interaction over high latitudes including the Southern Oceans, remote sensing and modelling studies are solicited for this symposium. Presentations describing strategies for reducing uncertainties in the representation of clouds, aerosols and air-sea interaction processes and better determining the role of such processes in the climate system are also solicited.
M02 Advances in Atmospheric Dynamics Including Topographic Forcing
Convener: Thomas Spengler (Bergen, Norway)
Co-conveners: Olivia Romppainen-Martius (Bern, Switzerland), Michael Kurgansky (Moscow, Russia), Nili Harnik (Tel Aviv, Israel), Vanda Grubišić (Boulder, USA), Mathias Rotach (Innsbruck, Austria)
Description
The symposium adresses advances in atmospheric dynamics based on theoretical, diagnostic, and modelling (either realistic or idealised) studies. Contributions can cover a range of topics including, but not limited to, various types of waves, cyclone and anticyclone evolution, and eddy-mean flow interactions. In addition, presentations are sought about dynamics of storm tracks and jet streams, and the dynamics of the stratospheric polar vortex including its interaction with the troposphere.
A part of the symposium is devoted to “Dynamics of mountain Weather and Climate”. Contributions based on theoretical treatment, numerical modelling, observational or combined approaches are welcome on a range of topics including topographic precipitation, convective initiation, gap flows, mountain waves, thermally driven local circulations, mountain venting and exchange processes between the topography and the free troposphere. Spatial scales range from sub-synoptic (meso) scale to local / regional and the time scales from episodic to long-term climatic. Physical processes may equally be discussed as specific problems related to numerical modelling or observations in mountainous areas.
M03 Weather and the Global Atmospheric Electric Circuit
Convener: Mai Mai Lam (Cambridge, U.K.)
Co-convener: Matthew Lazzara (Madison, USA)
Description
We welcome contributions that relate to atmospheric global electricity studies. This may include novel measurements and measurement techniques of atmospheric electricity; identification of sources of atmospheric electricity variation (including those due to ionospheric convection driven by the solar wind and to global thunderstorms/electrified showers); the representation of atmospheric electricity effects in numerical models; the electrical coupling between the atmosphere ionosphere and flow of current throughout the atmosphere-ionosphere system; the effects of atmospheric electricity on cloud dynamics; signatures of solar and space weather variability in the lower atmosphere. We welcome studies from all areas of the globe but especially from remote areas including the polar regions.
M04 Numerical Models for Climate Studies and Forecasting at High Latitudes
Convener: John Cassano (Boulder, USA)
Co-conveners: Matthew Lazzara (Madison, USA), Tom Bracegirdle (Cambridge, U.K.)
Description
Over the last decade there has been an increasing focus on polar weather and climate modelling. However, at high latitudes there are processes that are often poorly represented, such as atmospheric boundary layers, cloud physics, sea ice dynamics and thermodynamics, and snow processes. Often this is due to a lack of observations of the processes being modelled. This symposium will focus on the current state of polar-focused weather, regional, and global climate modelling and observational efforts aimed at improving polar models.
M05 Observations and Modelling of Cloud Condensate and Water Vapour Variability
Convener: Jürgen Fischer (Berlin, Germany)
Co-conveners: Lazaros Oreopoulos (Greenbelt, USA), Johannes Quaas (Leipzig, Germany)
Description
The representation of clouds in climate models relies on the simulation of, or on assumptions about, small- and mesoscale variability of water vapour. In turn, most cloud processes are non-linearly dependent on small- and mesoscale variability of cloud water. In this symposium, we invite papers on observations or simulations analysing the variability of water vapour and cloud water. Papers should aim at describing this variability in a way that can be exploited for the evaluation, improvement or development for parameterisations for climate modelling. We also invite contributions that examine the impacts of vapour and cloud condensate variability on the water and energy cycle.
M06 Observations of Anthropogenic Aerosol-Cloud Interactions
Convener: Jim Haywood (Exeter, U.K.)
Co-conveners: Maria Kanakidou (Crete, Greece), Johannes Quaas (Leipzig, Germany), Martin Wild (Zurich, Switzerland)
Description
There is a lot of evidence that aerosols, clouds and precipitation interact, both from observations and modelling. From climate modelling, and process-resolving modelling, there is further evidence that anthropogenic aerosols take a substantial part in these interactions. However, the magnitude of the effects of anthropogenic aerosols on clouds, especially the radiative forcing implied by these, is highly uncertain and mostly relies on modelling. For this symposium, we invite papers that try to exploit observations to assess the effect of anthropogenic aerosols on clouds and precipitation. Possible pathways identified so far for this are the analysis of recent trends following steps in, or decreases, in anthropogenic emissions, of weekly cycles, of hemispheric contrasts or of ship- or aircraft condensation trails. Presentations following other ideas are also very welcome.
M07 The Relationship of Cloud Ice Properties and Processes in Observations and Models
Convener: Ottmar Möhler (Karlsruhe, Germany)
Co-conveners: Greg McFarquhar (Urbana, USA), Raymond Shaw (Houghton, USA)
Description
The representation of cloud ice properties and processes in models with a variety of spatial and temporal scales can critically affect the output generated by such models, yet parameterizations of such processes have not been well evaluated against observations. In this symposium papers that examine how the characterization of cloud ice in models, and properties of cloud ice output by models are related to the observed dependence of cloud properties on cloud/environmental parameters are solicited. In addition, papers on the following topics are also solicited: the interplay between aerosol-cloud processes (cloud condensation nuclei, ice nuclei, secondary ice) and models in a variety of scales; representation and parameterization of aerosol-cloud processes in models; development and improvement of such parameterizations based on laboratory and field studies; the sensitivity of modeled cloud processes and properties (liquid/ice water content, glaciation, cloud lifetime, precipitation development and spatial/temporal distribution) to variations in the process parameterizations; the relation between ice morphology (pristine versus complex/rough ice crystals) or other microphysical parameters and radiative cloud properties; and constraint of model output and prediction to observations from the field and laboratory simulation studies.
M08 Comparative Planetary Atmospheres within and beyond the Solar System
Convener: Feng Tian (Beijing, China)
Co-conveners: Sanjay Limaye (Madison, USA), Leigh Fletcher (Oxford, U.K.), Darrell Strobel (Baltimore, USA), Athena Coustenis (Paris, France)
Description
Topics include all aspects and characteristics of atmospheres from terrestrial worlds to giant planets; the evolutionary paths of various atmospheres, especially exoplanets thought to be habitable. Planetary origins both in our solar system and in exoplanetary systems will also be featured. Contributions should focus on the comparative aspect of these research topics, and broader relevance to atmospheric sciences.
M09 Solar System Exploration of Atmospheres with Ground-Based and Space-Based Platforms
Convener: Sanjay Limaye (Madison, USA)
Co-conveners: Ralf Greve (Tokyo, Japan), Leigh Fletcher (Oxford, U.K.), Darrell Strobel (Baltimore, USA)
Description
Topics include recent contributions from missions and space-based observatories including, but not limited to, atmospheric composition and chemistry; density and thermal structure; dynamics and energetics; clouds, aerosols and haze. Themes include climate and seasonal variations, surface atmosphere interactions, “hydrological” cycles, atmospheric escape and evolution.
M10 Global Monsoons and Climate Change
Convener: Jianping Li (Beijing, China)
Co-conveners: Andrew Turner (Reading, U.K.), Tianjun Zhou (Beijing, China), Bin Wang (Manoa, USA), Ernesto Hugo Berbery (College Park, USA), Harry Hendon (Melbourne, Australia), Jun Matsumoto (Tokyo, Japan), Allesandra Giannini (Palisades, USA), Serge Janicot (Paris, France)
Description
The global monsoon system is a central component of the climate system as well as a fundamental regulator of Earth's energy budget and water cycle. Monsoonal circulations dominate South and East Asia, northern Australia, West Africa, and are also significant in the Americas. They impact climate, both regionally and globally, and involve complex multi-scale interactions. Meanwhile, they are also impacted by the principal modes of climate variability (e.g., ENSO, NAM/AO, SAM/AAO, NAO, PDO, AMO, IOD, etc.) on inter-annual to decadal time scales, as well as human activities (land-use change, aerosols, greenhouse gas emissions). This symposium is concerned with the nature and mechanisms of monsoon variability at various time-scales ranging from the diurnal to the millennial; linkages between monsoons and the principal modes of climate variability; multi-scale interactions within the global monsoon system among the atmosphere, ocean, land surface, cryosphere, biosphere and human activities, and their influences; monsoon simulation, predictability, prediction and projection. Presentations are also invited on the latest results from monsoon experiments such as the AMY, MAHASRI, AMMA, YOTC, NAME, MAIRS, GAME, SCSMEX, and MESA, etc.
M11 Tropical Cyclones
Convener: Patrick Harr (Washington, USA)
Co-conveners: Elizabeth A. Ritchie (Tucson, USA), Kristen L. Corbosiero (Albany, USA), Noel E. Davidson (Melbourne, Australia)
Description
Most of the ocean basins in which tropical cyclones exist are also regions that are strongly influenced by monsoons. As such, tropical cyclone formation, structure, and track may be substantially influenced by the variation in monsoon activity. The important variations may occur over a range of temporal and spatial scales. Inter-annual and intra-seasonal monsoon variations may impact the total seasonal tropical cyclone activity. Synoptic-scale variability in monsoon activity can relate to a cluster of tropical cyclones or to a break in tropical cyclone activity. Furthermore, there can be an upscale influence of tropical cyclones on the characteristics of the basin-specific monsoon. In this symposium, the myriad of tropical cyclone – monsoon interfaces will be explored. Contributions are solicited to cover the wide range of temporal and spatial variability in tropical cyclone – monsoon interfaces. The symposium will focus equally on the impact of monsoon variation on tropical cyclone activity and on tropical cyclone influences on the monsoon. Contributions are also solicited in relation to all ocean basins and all regional monsoon characteristics.
M12 Tropical Dynamics
Convener: David S. Nolan (Miami, USA)
Co-conveners: Robert Burgman (Miami, USA), Eric Maloney (Fort Collins, USA), Stefan Tulich (Boulder, USA)
Description
This symposium concerns the diverse range of tropical circulations, including equatorial waves, organised tropical convection, and tropical intra-seasonal, inter-annual, and decadal variability. Specific phenomena of interest are the Madden-Julian Oscillation, El Nino/Southern Oscillation, the Walker and Hadley Circulations, the Inter-Tropical Convergence Zone, and their interactions with monsoons and tropical cyclones. In particular, papers related to acquisition and analyses of data obtained during the CINDY2011/DYNAMO field experiments are encouraged and will likely be organised into one or more sessions. Contributions on the diverse linkages between the tropics, subtropics and mid-latitudes are also invited.
M13 Regional Climate Variability and Change
Convener: Sumant Nigam (College Park, USA)
Co-convener: Adam Scaife (Exeter, U.K.)
Description
The symposium targets sub-continental regions exhibiting notable warming (and cooling) since the 1970s, focusing on the detection, attribution, and mechanisms of multi-decadal variability and change. The symposium will bring together dynamically oriented observational analysts and coupled modellers to advance attribution – multi-decadal natural variability vs. anthropogenic influence (GHG, aerosols) – and draw attention to the discrepancies in the observational and model based assessments of regional multi-decadal climate variability and change. Characterizing the dynamical and thermodynamical mechanisms governing such variability/change in both nature and coupled models is an important symposium goal; multi-decadal simulation and prediction experiments are expected to provide mechanistic insights.
M14 Middle Atmosphere Science
Convener: Daniel Marsh (Boulder, USA)
Co-conveners: Ulrike Langematz (Berlin, Germany), William Ward (Fredericton, Canada), Franz-Josef Lübken (Kühlungsborn, Germany)
Description
This is the core symposium of ICMA (International Commission on the Middle Atmosphere). Papers related to any aspect of the dynamics, chemistry, or physics of the atmosphere from near the tropopause to the lower thermosphere are appropriate for this symposium. Observational, modeling, theoretical, and laboratory studies are all solicited. Research topics include (but are not limited to):
- stratospheric/mesospheric chemistry and ozone
- radiation, microphysics, chemistry and dynamics in the TTL or the extratropical UTLS
- dynamics, transport and mixing in multiple spatial scales
- observations and modeling of gravity waves
- intraseasonal and interannual variations in the middle atmosphere
- remote influences in the middle atmosphere, including tropical/extratropical interactions
- vertical coupling with the troposphere and thermosphere.
We especially invite contributions related to the ROSMIC element of the SCOSTEP VarSITI programme to this symposium.
M15 Electrical Charging and Discharging in Thunderclouds
Convener: Zen Kawasaki (Singapore, Singapore)
Co-convener: Daohong Wang (Gifu, Japan)
Description
The charging mechanism during thunderstorm is highly related with the existence of solid precipitation particles. Moreover the super cooled water is required to exist at the height of temperature -10 degrees centigrade. Under this condition the graupel and ice crystal collide with each other, and charge separation may proceed effectively. That is the scenario which is highly believed as the thunderstorm formation.
Many researchers of the Int. Commission on Atmospheric Electricity (ICAE) had investigated lightning discharge from the aspect of electricity. If we expect further development, it is interesting to have discussion and collaboration with cloud physicists. Moreover ICAE offers contributions to the feedback to cloud-physical colleagues.
M16 Radiation in the Climate System
Convener: Martin Wild (Zurich, Switzerland)
Co-conveners: Norman Loeb (Langley, USA), Graeme Stephens (Fort Collins, USA)
Description
Radiation is a key determinant for the genesis and evolution of climate on our planet. Anthropogenic interference with climate occurs first of all through radiative interactions. We invite observational and modelling papers on all aspects of radiation in the climate system. A special aim is to bring together newly available information on the absolute magnitudes as well as the spatial and temporal variation of radiative fluxes at the surface, within the atmosphere and at the top of atmosphere. Papers considered may range from local process studies to continental and global scale budget analyses. We further welcome papers which can improve our understanding and quantitative characterization of the radiative forcing by solar irradiance, atmospheric species, clouds and aerosol. Papers based on the comparison of the simulated radiation budget with observations are also encouraged, in order to validate the Earth/surface radiation budget retrieved from the data acquired by satellite/ground- based instruments as well as from climate simulations and reanalyses. Studies focusing on the impact of radiative changes on the various components of the climate system, such as on the hydrological cycle, on the cryosphere or on the biosphere and related carbon cycle, are also much appreciated
M17 Science of Adaptation to Climate Change
Convener: Keith Alverson (Nairobi, Kenya)
Co-convener: Tom Beer (Aspendale, Australia)
Description
This symposium provides an opportunity to showcase the interdisciplinary scientific basis for the design, monitoring and evaluation of climate change adaptation actions. Presentations may include development of tools and methodologies, vulnerability and impact assessments as well as monitoring and evaluation of adaptation interventions. Participants are invited to highlight the relevance down-scaled regional model projections of future conditions versus those based on statistical scenarios developed from past climate variability to developing adaptation strategies. Studies investigating the drivers of patterns of vulnerability to climate change across a number of sectors including inter alia food security, health, disaster risk reduction, etc. are also encouraged.
M18 Past Climate Changes: a Key for the Future
Convener: Andre Berger (Louvain, Belgium)
Co-conveners: Alan Haywood (Leeds, U.K.), Kurt Lambeck (Canberra, Australia), Mike MacCracken (Washington, USA), Andrew Mackintosh (Wellington, New Zealand), Axel Timmermann (Honolulu, USA), Qiuzhen Yin (Louvain, Belgium)
Description
Without rapid and dramatic reductions in carbon dioxide emissions, the Earth’s climate may reach a level of warmth not experienced in many millions of years. This change may occur over only a few hundred years, accompanied by sea level rising at a rate of as much as a meter, or perhaps more, per century. The past few million years have seen some of the largest changes in climate that the Earth has experienced, ranging from conditions warmer than modern to those with continental glaciations that reduced sea level by more than 100 meters below its present level. Understanding the nature and mechanisms of past climate changes and particularly the relative stability of the past warm periods such as the more recent Quatenary interglacials and the earlier Mid-Pliocene Warm Period, has the potential to provide context and insight into climate and sea-level response to human activities over the industrial period and into the future. This symposium invites researchers who investigate the long-term behaviour of the climate system in the past and how it is projected to change into the future. We encourage both modellers and empirical scientists who focus on different aspects of the climate system to participate. Abstracts are requested on reconstructing and understanding the Pliocene, Pleistocene Holocene and the Anthropocene. In addition, papers are requested on reconstructing and projecting changes in sea level.
M19 El Niño / Southern Oscillation and Decadal Variability under Climate Change
Convener: Fei-Fei Jin (Manoa, USA)
Co-convener: Jianping Li (Beijing, China)
Description
The El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO), one of the most important drivers on climate variability, has profound climatic, environmental, societal, and economical impacts on both global and regional climate. Evidences, albeit limited, suggest that the basic characteristics of ENSO, including its sea surface temperature pattern, its amplitude and frequency, and its types and teleconnections etc., have been undergoing changes. However, projections for potential future changes are diverse and the whole issue how ENSO may respond to global warming and thus contribute to the global and regional climatic and environmental changes is far from understood and is an important subject of intense research worldwide. This symposium invites contributions regarding the latest scientific advances on observational, theoretical and modeling studies on: ENSO dynamics, ENSO impacts, ENSO predictability and prediction, ENSO and its relation to decadal variability, and ENSO projected changes and the associated impacts due to projected climate change scenarios.
M20 The Ocean’s Role in Climate Variability, Change and Predictability
Convener: Shang-Ping Xie (San Diego, USA)
Co-conveners: Ruiqiang Ding (Beijing, China), Hisashi Nakamura (Tokyo, Japan), Rowan Sutton (Reading, U.K.), Mojib Latif (Kiel, Germany)
Description
Ocean-atmospheric interaction is an important source of climate variability and predictability. Great progress has been made in understanding and modeling such interaction over tropical oceans. The mechanisms over extratropical oceans remain to be fully explored. As observed climate anomalies include an increasingly large component due to global warming, regional patterns of climate change and the role of ocean-atmosphere interaction are emerging as an important area of research. The symposium aims to strengthen interaction between the climate variability and change communities. We invite papers on ocean-atmosphere interaction, climate variability and predictability, and global warming dynamics.
M21 Decadal Climate Dynamics and Prediction
Convener: Jerry Meehl (Boulder, USA)
Co-convener: Lisa Goddard (Palisades, USA)
Description
Decadal climate prediction is a rapidly evolving new field of climate science. Research is currently taking place on a number of fronts, including improving our understanding of decadal timescale processes and mechanisms, formulating decadal climate prediction methodologies including initialization techniques and bias correction calculations, studying decadal climate predictability, and performing analyses of the CMIP5 decadal climate predictions with a number of models. Participants of this symposium are expected to report on current research on all these topics and more related to decadal climate prediction.
